The Conversation

January 10, 2015 04:00 PM

UPDATED January 11, 2015 12:00 AM

Last Sunday’s Conversation asked readers what big ideas legislators should consider in 2015: climate change, taxation, Internet gambling, marijuana, the legalization of ferrets, or what. They had ideas

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ferrets and freedom matter

Re “Think big (and look out for ferrets)” (Forum, Dan Morain, Jan. 4): The column was one of the most insulting pieces I have had to endure in 30 years of my effort to legalize ferrets in California.

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In what universe is it a choice between fighting climate change and legalizing ferrets? That is one of most bizarre and illogical points one could make. I am completely aware that ferret legalization is not the defining issue of our time.

But the separation between the governed and the government ranks right up there. No wonder voter turnout was at an all-time low in the last election. To trivialize our efforts is truly a disservice to the little guys, as we call ourselves. Yes, we matter. Climate change may be more important. But there is no reason for ferrets to be illegal and for our efforts to be ridiculed.

Ferrets and other minor freedoms do matter. Take them away and we all have a lower standard of happiness.

Pat Wright, La Mesa, LegalizeFerrets.org

From Facebook

Chuck Webb – By all means, legalize ferrets. I’ve never met a pet ferret that I didn’t like better than the liberals who want to tax services. California government is a black hole that will never have enough of our money no matter what they tax.

Cynthia Islas – If that’s the most important thing for them to consider, legalizing ferrets, then perhaps these buffoons should consider being a part-time legislature. Passing over 900 new laws (in) California last year, some of them so ridiculous, is pure waste of taxpayer money, staffing efforts, and totally unnecessary.

David Lemont – Not most important but given it is a liberty issue, one that involves decades of the government lying to us, it is important looking at the big picture. Let’s take away one of your liberties, one we feel is trivial and listen to you howl.

Amilah Holmes – I just want a ferret ok!

Shirley Ryan – Sigh. Certainly not ferrets. They cause a lot of agricultural damage, and they may be susceptible to rabies. Humanize mental health services, both adult and child.

Jim Smith – Ferrets are ratty little creatures, keep ’em in the cage.

John Reven – Our politicians and others are still not willing to address the elephant in the room when discussing climate change, population. Currently, the only answer they have to change the climate is to make it more expensive to live in California. Think electric cars and cap and trade. But no matter what they attempt, if you keep over-populating this state, then you will still have a problem.

Rick Nappier – I will charge only $1 to give politicians advice on climate change. Here it is for free. In the summer, it will be warmer than it is in the winter. In the winter, it will be colder than it is in the summer. When clouds form, there is a likelihood that moisture will fall from the sky.

Darlene C. Matthews – Except when it snows in Orange County and Mexico and when we have more and more other extremes of temperature and weather conditions. We have frost burned leaves on pumpkin and squash in student garden at UC Irvine from last week and this week it will be in the 70’s.

Elizabeth Ann Martinez – Human trafficking right here in California. And Rapist child molesters get the death penalty

Derek Guymon – Legalizing weed.

B-Jay Matthews – Start reducing the taxes to our state to help promote the economy. Stop enacting all these ineffectual gun control laws that keep putting peoples lives at risk.

Richard Moody – For starters: cut taxes, personal and business. Give people their money and drive more business growth in areas of sustainable high paying jobs, as an offset legalize MJ and tax it.

Elizabeth Ann Martinez – Quality medical supplies for our disabled people and medically ill that doesn’t rip break or harm people that medical is paying for from medical supply companies but not worth the money medical is charged. In other words, medical supply companies and the people who manufactured the medical supplies are getting away with charging an outrageous price for catheters.

Darlene C. Matthews – How to make more housing safe, affordable and accessible. How to train social workers and agencies to give a damn when its hard. Ask any homeless or inaccessibly housed person with disabilities what that means.

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